Agriculture and Food Systems

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The Agriculture Program provides facilitative leadership to both the public and private sectors to support the sustainable development of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and other natural resources. Activities include financial support and coordination of agricultural research, education, and marketing programs; data collection, compilation and dissemination to County policymakers and other interested parties; management of collaborative research and development projects; advocacy for local farmers and commodity groups at State and Federal levels.

HAWAI’I STATEWIDE COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLE COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

Click image to download plan.

This plan is a strategic resource designed to enhance understanding of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) identification, its impacts, and the management practices necessary to protect our islands.

Recording of the April 8, 2024, Pre-Proposal Conference

https://www.zoomgov.com/rec/share/6-e_wciieSD5YEtX9F7C33u-bknxf0-no2rKnijCgb0n534TNk8IBkxeSFPNFLFT.skb4SJxNC9-4l1v8?startTime=1712602857000

On April 3^rd, the County of Hawai’i posted the following RFPs for Food Security and Agriculture Initiatives.

THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY:

ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH PUBLIC PURCHASE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

County of Hawaiʻi

State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
FOOD SECURITY AND AGRICULTURAL INITIATIVES PROGRAMS

RFP No. 4573

To Apply

Potential Applicants MUST register with Public Purchase.

Applications MUST be download and submitted on Public Purchase.

The Hawai’i County Department of Research and Development (County) is requesting proposals from qualified applicants to support the recovery from the COVID-19 impacts and foster increased economic resilience among small agricultural and value-added producers and increase food security among residents. Applicants must demonstrate that they can meet all the RFP requirements and complete all activities within the contract period.

This RFP includes six (6) critical needs related to food security, agriculture, and food systems within the County. The County is seeking proposals for the following critical needs initiatives/categories:

Improving Community Food Security (1 subrecipient/contractor)
Goal: Increase food security on Hawaiʻi Island through identifying and investing in community-level strategies.
Regional Agriculture and Food Systems Plan (1 subrecipient/contractor) Goal: Identify existing and proposed strategies that strengthen local agriculture and food systems, enable economic resilience, and foster cultural traditions, while addressing the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hawaiʻi County.
Certified Kitchens Infrastructure (Multiple grants)
Goal: Increase the economic viability and availability of commercial kitchens to residents, agricultural producers, value-added producers, and food-related businesses.
Certified Kitchens Cohort Technical Assistance (1 subrecipient/contractor)
Goal: Increase the availability and economic viability of commercial kitchens through comprehensive technical assistance, ensuring their sustained availability for community use.
Soil Amendment Development Program (Multiple grants)
Goal: Increase the availability of high-quality soil amendments for producers that support the diversion of organic waste from the landfill.
Local Food Producer Expansion Grant Program (1 or multiple subrecipient/contractors) Goal: Increase local food production by supporting small to medium producers to scale.

Submission of Questions

Applicants shall submit all questions via Public Purchase. All questions will receive a response through the Public Purchase platform.

Pre-Proposal Conference

A virtual pre-proposal conference will be scheduled for April 8, 2024, at 9:00 am – 11:00 am HST. Prospective applicants are not required but are strongly encouraged to attend. This pre-proposal conference provides an opportunity for interested entities to submit questions regarding the requirements set forth in this RFP. In order to make the meeting more effective for all participants, attendees should read this RFP thoroughly prior to the meeting. Please note that not all items or questions brought up during the conference will necessarily be released in an addendum. Substantial clarifications or changes required as a result of the meeting will be issued in the form of a posted addendum to the RFP on the Public Purchase website.

Zoom Meeting

Join on your computer or mobile app:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1606115963?pwd=NHdPSFJOZFpsR3RiRDI5eHpCNGEwQT09

Or call in (audio only):
+1 669 254 5252 US

Meeting ID: 160 611 5963
Passcode: 176617

Announcements

Agricultural Theft and Tresspass Reporting Form

Theft of agricultural crops, livestock, equipment, chemicals, fertilizers, materials and supplies severely impacts the livelihood of the local producers we depend on to provide jobs and food for our County. Unfortunately, the incidences of trespassing and theft are under-reported. This lack of statistical data reduces the legislative urgency for financial support to increase staffing and investment in anti-theft equipment that the police need to curb these invisible criminal activities.

The Department of Research and Development, in collaboration with the Hawai‘i Police Department and the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, has produced a fillable form that a victim of agricultural theft/trespass can prepare and leave for the responding officer.

COUNTY ANNOUNCES 2022 BLOOMBERG AMERICAN HEALTH INITIATIVE FELLOW

Sarah Freeman

Hawaiʻi County announces that Sarah Freeman, a Food Systems Specialist with the Department of Research and Development, has been accepted into the 2022 Bloomberg American Health Initiative Fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Freeman is one of fifty people awarded a full scholarship as a Bloomberg Fellow to pursue a Master of Public Health. The Bloomberg American Health Initiative Fellowship aims to create experts to combat the nation's five most critical health challenges: addiction and overdose, adolescent health, environmental challenges, obesity and the food system, and violence.

Freeman has a Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Resource Studies from UC Berkeley, concentrating on urban agriculture, conflict resolution, and city repair. As a Food System Specialist, she focuses on improving Hawaiʻi's food systems by working with government and community-initiated projects to foster a sustainable and thriving Hawaiʻi Island. "We are proud to support Sarah through this incredible opportunity in hopes that she will return home with added skillsets to better serve our community," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "Her excellent work for the County as a collaborative organizer in food systems made her the perfect candidate for the Bloomberg Fellowship. We look forward to her return and wish her the best throughout her fellowship. Food security is a key component of a sustainable community, and we will remain committed to bolstering production islandwide."

Of the five crucial health challenges facing the nation, Freeman will be focusing on the obesity and food system challenges throughout her Master's program. Freeman will continue to be supported by the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development through her studies and will continue to help the community after she receives her degree. In addition, the skills and tools she will gain from her Master of Public Health and focus on obesity and the food system will aid her continued work as a Food System Specialist for the County of Hawaiʻi.

Interim Rule Restricts Movement of Coffee from Maui and Hawaiʻi Island

Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR) has infested Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. The Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture Chairperson has issued an interim rule restricting the movement of coffee and other CLR carriers from Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. The interim rules goes into effect on Friday, November 20, 2020. Please see the attached news release for more information. For additional detail about the restrictions, the interim rule may be found at: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Final-Interim-Rule-20-1-Nov.20.2020.pdf

Hawaii to Receive $1.9 Million for Small-Scale Agriculture

Posted on October 21, 2020

HONOLULU – The State of Hawai`i has been awarded $1.9 million by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to increase the quality and quantity of locally grown foods in food-insecure communities that import a significant amount of food. The funds will provide grants to qualifying communities over a three-year period.

“This grant program will help support small-scale farming, ranching and agricultural operations so farmers can increase food production in their communities,” said Gov. Ige. “If we can boost food production in more remote areas where there is a greater need, Hawai`i agriculture and entire communities will be strengthened.”

The Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) applied for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program in August 2020 and was awarded a total of $1,938,556.80. The award was announced yesterday. The grant program is not connected to the CARES Act and was established under the 2018 Farm Bill to provide support for small-scale gardening, herding and livestock operations to help produce food in areas that are food insecure.

In applying for the USDA grant, HDOA used data from the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to demonstrate the need in each county. The total grant amount will be distributed accordingly, to each county. The total amount allocated to Hawaii County is estimated at $419,115.98.

Those eligible for the grants include Hawai`i-based individuals and organizations, commodity associations, agricultural cooperatives, producer groups, and other non-profit organizations related to agriculture.

Individuals (farmers, ranchers, producers, home gardeners, hunters) may apply for a maximum $5,000 per year for a maximum three years.
Organizations – Maximum $10,000 per year for a maximum of three years and must provide a 10 percent cash match.

A statewide Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued in early November 2020 and posted on the Hawai‘i State Procurement website. A panel in each county will be appointed to review and approve eligible proposals.

Examples of the types of activities that may be funded under this grant include:

Small-Scale Gardening – purchase tools or equipment, soil, seeds, plants, canning equipment, refrigeration, composting equipment, towers, hydroponic and aeroponic farming.
Small-Scale Herding and Livestock Operations – purchase animals, buy, erect or repair fencing for livestock, activities or supplies associated with setting up or equipping a slaughter and processing facility, including purchasing mobile slaughterhouses.
Expanding Access to Food and Knowledge of Food Security – create or expand avenues for the sale of food commodities – includes paying for shipping of purchased items related to growing or raising food for local consumption.

HDOA’s Market Development Branch will be scheduling webinars in the near future to guide interested parties through the application process. The webinar schedule will be posted at: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/add/md/

Commercial Use of Native Hawaiian Plants

College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension has published a new publication on commercial use of native plants. The publication covers laws and requirements for the propagation and sale of threatened and endangered Hawaiian Plant Species. To view the publication, go to College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources website.

Organic Foods Production Tax Credit

Section 235-110.94, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS), authorize a tax credit for producers, handlers, and handling operations that sell organic agricultural products, and have applied for organic certification, and whose gross income from the sales of organic agricultural products for the most recently reported fiscal year is no more than $500,000. Taxpayers applying for this tax credit must print the application form on company letterhead and send the signed form along with accompanying documents to Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture. For more information, please visit State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture website.

Animal Disease Control

African Swine Fever
African Swine Fever (ASF) is caused by a virus that is not present in Hawaiʻi or North America. The ASF can cause death losses in pigs as high as 100%. Originating in Africa in the 1920s the ASF has spread to Europe, Asia, Brazil, and the Caribbean and recently has rapidly spread to and through China, Vietnam, Korea and the Philippines. The virus that causes ASF is very hardy and can remain viable in carrier pigs, pork products, pig carcasses, contaminated feed products, vehicles, equipment, foot wear and clothing that become contaminated. China's National Bureau of Statistics reported at least 129 outbreaks, and has estimated about one million exposed animals have been exterminated. The interruption in production has reduced the China's overall hog population by 40 million. Symptoms in animals include high fever, weakness, skin lesions, diarrhea, vomiting and difficulty breathing. Death can occur within a week of infection. ASF does not infect or cause disease in humans.

Information for Producers

Agricultural Theft and Trespass Reporting Form

2021 AgriBusiness Guidebook

Starting an Agri-Tourism Operation - Are you interested in starting or enhancing your agri-tourism business? The Hawaii AgriBusiness Guidebook: Starting an Agri-Tourism Operation can help you get started! The guidebook was designed to provide aspiring agri-tourism businesses an overview of essential training information, as well as share helpful tips for farmers.

USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

NOAA Fisheries

Guide to Federal Aquaculture Grant Services

Drought-stricken farmers and ranchers have more time to replace livestock

Hawai‘i County farmers and ranchers who were forced to sell livestock due to drought may have an additional year to replace the livestock and defer tax on any gains from the forced sales, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

The relief generally applies to capital gains realized by eligible farmers and ranchers on sales of livestock held for draft, dairy or breeding purposes. Sales of other livestock, such as those raised for slaughter or held for sporting purposes, or poultry, are not eligible.

To qualify, the sales must be solely due to drought, flooding or other severe weather causing the region to be designated as eligible for federal assistance. Livestock generally must be replaced within a four-year period, instead of the usual two-year period. The IRS is also authorized to further extend this replacement period if the drought continues.

The one-year extension, announced in the notice, gives eligible farmers and ranchers until the end of the tax year after the first drought-free year to replace the sold livestock. Details, including an example of how this provision works, can be found in Notice 2006-82 PDF, available on IRS.gov.

More information on reporting drought sales and other farm-related tax issues can be found in Publication 225, Farmer's Tax Guide, available on IRS.gov.

Hawaii County producers should work with their tax advisers to determine their appropriate course of action.

Young Brothers 2020 Rate Increase

On August 17, 2020 the Public Utilities Commission approved a temporary, across-the-board rate increase of approximately 46%. The Refrigerated Loose Cargo Cost Comparison with Island Product Discount outlines the change in prices to ship refrigerated loose boxes of locally grown agricultural product that qualify for Young Brothers' 30% Island Agricultural Discount.

Ag Theft

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture advises, “Proof of ownership is the first step in establishing a paper trail to help deter agricultural theft.” Please review and utilize the following documents to protect your business, reduce the market for stolen items and to support Hawaiʻi’s agriculture.

Information and Opportunities

County of Hawaiʻi Agricultural Use Dedication Information

Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry. Are you interested in climate-smart solutions for your agricultural or forestry operation? USDA offers voluntary programs and services to help you build soil health, sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance productivity and commodity marketability, and mitigate the impacts of climate change while building resilience to strengthen your operation.

CTAHR Farm Food Safety: Good Agricultural Practices
USDA Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches, and Communities - A Guide to Federa lPrograms for Sustainable Agriculture, Forestry, Entrepreneurship, Conservation, Food Systems, and Community Development

USDA Small Farm Funding Resources

Hawaiʻi Island Food Producers Fund: a peer-to-peer online lending program for Hawaiʻi Island farmers and Hawai‘i Island food processors utilizing at least one Hawaiʻi Island-grown ingredient. This microloan program established by The Kohala Center uses the Kiva Zip platform. For more information please visit The Kohala Center’s Kiva Zip Loan website

Farmer Training

GoFarm Hawaiʻi Farmer Training

GoFarm Hawaiʻi offers hands-on farmer training in Alae, Hawaiʻi. The program covers all of the listed topics along with business classes such as Production Planning, Cost of Production, Cash Flow, and Marketing (it is no longer a series of workshops but a full 8 month program):

Soil nutrients and plant health management
Propagation
Variety selection
Farm equipment
Irrigation
Pest control (pathogens, insects, nematodes, and weeds)
Post-harvest storage and handling
Food safety

For more information, contact info@gofarmhawaii.org, call (808) 956-3530 or visit gofarmhawaii.org.

Pest Information

Ant Management Clinic

Hawaiʻi Ant Lab works with residents, agriculture, the green industry and plant nurseries to provide solutions for the many impacts caused by invasive ants. For more information, please visit Hawaiʻi Ant Lab's website or call (808) 315-5656 East Hawaiʻi or (808) 209-9014 West Hawaiʻi.

Fact Sheet Booklet for Little Fire Ant (LFA)

Rat Lungworm Disease

Rat lungworm is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It’s caused by a parasitic nematode that only found in rodents. Rodents pass the larvae on in their feces, and other animals (including slugs or snails) can become infected. For more information, see the following website.

State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture Rat Lungworm Disease Information
State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Health Disease Outbreak Control Division
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Rat Lungworm Information
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Rat Lungworm Video

Be Vigilant! Avocado Lace Bug

A new pest of avocado has been identified on Oahu, Hawaiʻi. Pseudacysta perseae (Hemiptera: Tingidae), avocado lace bug was recently recorded by the State after being first detected in Pearl City in December 2019. It has also been found in the Waialua Area. See the quick facts and field survey photos.

Symptoms and Damage to look for:

Yellow blotching and chlorosis, scorching on leaves.
Early leaf drop.
Undersides of leaves with black feces and eggs.
Adults and nymphs on the undersides of leaves.

Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus Fact Sheet

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is a virus of the tomatoes and peppers. The virus is easily spread when infected material makes contact with equipment, people, and other host plants. Symptoms are similar to those caused by other tobamoviruses including Tobacco mosaic virus and Tomato mosaic virus. On pepper, it causes bubbling and mosaic patterns on leaves, while on tomato foliage it causes mosaic patterns and a "fern leaf" symptom. Infected fruits of both hosts are smaller, discolored, and may have rough, dead patches on the surface. To see photos and for more information, please attached fact sheet.

Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) Pesticide Subsidy Program

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) established the CBB Pesticide Subsidy Program to assist Hawaiʻi coffee farmers with the cost of pesticides containing the fungus known to control CBB. Applications are accepted until 6/30/2021 for purchases made from 7/1/2019 through 6/30/2020. Reimbursement is available for up to 50% of out-of-pocket costs for Beauveria bassiana products and depending on number of applicants and available funds, up to a maximum of $600 per acre and $6,000 per farm. Any applications received or postmarked after 6/30/2021 will not be eligible for reimbursement. To apply and for more information, please see the following website.

State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture CBB Pesticide Subsidy Program
State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture Coffee Berry Borer Information

Little Fire Ant Management Clinics

Each month Hawaiʻi Ant Lab conducts a full-day clinic for residents and other interested persons. This workshop covers ant management basics from theory to practice and includes sessions on pesticides safety, mixing and using gel baits. Space is limited to twenty (20) participants each workshop. For more information and to register, go to Hawaiʻi Ant Lab

Big Island Invasive Species Committee Little Fire Ant Community Support Program

The Big Island Invasive Species Committee Little Fire Ant community support program is intended to help community members work together to address the impacts of the little fire ants on our island. To join or for more information, please visit Big Island Invasive Species Committee website.

Coqui Frog Control

The Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council is offering discounted Citric Acid to help control coqui frogs in our community. Get a voucher for a 50 lb. bag of Citric Acid for $82.50 by mail or in person at: HCEOC, 47 Rainbow Drive, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720 (808) 961-2681, Ext. 211. See attached flyer for more information. Redeem vouchers at:

Nutrient Ag Solutions formerly Crop Production Services, 900 Leilani Street, Hilo, (808) 935-7191

*Citric Acid Voucher Price Increased as of March 21, 2021*

Kohala Coqui Coalition

Help Keep Kohala Coqui Free! The Kohala residents has banded together to eradicate the coqui from their community. Please kōkua and see how to rid the coqui from around your house from the attached video.

Bagrada Hilaris

Pest Advisory from the Department of Agriculture Bagrada hilaris

Reports and Publications

Roots Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Guide for Hawaii Growers: This guide is a part of the Hawai’i Roots Food Safety Outreach Project. The Roots Program is the food arm of Kokua Kalihi Valley, a community health center that serves residents of Kalihi Valley.
Hawaii Food Systems, Hawaii Department of Agriculture: The Hawaii Food System Metrics project is intended to help improve local food production via data-driven policy changes and business analytics for farmers and others in the supply chain.
Food Insecurity in Hawaiʻi Using a Population-Based Sample: Data Brief, a June 2020 study by the University of Hawaiʻi Office of Public Health Studies, funded by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health.
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) 2019 Hawaiʻi Farm Technology Use Report
UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) By-Product used as Animal Feed
- Publication LM-34

County of Hawaiʻi Agriculture Development Plan
Hawaiʻi County Food Self Sufficiency Baseline Study 2012
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture’s Top 10 Import Reports
Hawaiʻi Floriculture and Nursery Products Annual Summary
USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture
- USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture - Hawaiʻi County Profile
- USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture - Volume 1. Chapter 2: County Level Data
- USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture - County Summary Highlights
- USDA 2012 Census of Agriculture - Census of Aquaculture (2013)
- USDA 2012 Census of Agriculture - Census of Horticultural Specialties (2014)
- USDA 2012 Census of Agriculture - Certified Organic Survey (2016)
- Certified Organic Survey - State of Hawaiʻi Survey

Hawaii County, HI Research & Development

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